Bleacher Report - Articles by Jordon Tefft

Impossible Is Nothing: Bradwell Institute vs Camden County High School

Jordon Tefft — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:53:59 -0400

In Georgia, Region Three of AAAAA soccer is dominated by two teams, Bradwell Institute and Camden County High School.

No other team in the region has a realistic chance of finishing first. At least that is the story of the past few years.

The first meeting of the two sides for the 2009 season was at Camden where they beat Bradwell 2-0. Bradwell controlled much of the game but were unable to finish the chances they were creating.

Last night was Bradwell's home game against Camden. There was a lot of worry for Bradwell.

Both the star scorer and first string keeper were out injured. Too fill in the voids, Bradwell coach moved on of the first string defenders to keeper and a midfielder up too play as the other striker.

Ultimately, these two injuries could well put Bradwell's first place hopes in the drain. It seemed to be that way, too. Camden were winning 2-0 for the second time this season.

I arrived at the game with 16 minutes left on the clock, seeing a lineup that had me worried. As the Bradwell coach had always told us, two goal leads are the most dangerous.

With about eight minutes left a Camden defender fouls a Bradwell striker. Before the Camden keeper could set up his wall a quick free kick was put in the back of the net. Game on!

Camden were on their heels defending the best they can as Bradwell players are trying their best to score just one more! There are no ties in Georgia soccer, so a goal will send the game to extra time! A foul is committed on a Bradwell midfielder around 45 yards out.

Every player is in the Camden penalty box. There is only 15 seconds left. The ball is kicked up. Camden's keeper thinks he has it when a last second header catches him off guard! GOAL! Bradwell levelled!

In extra time Bradwell come close to scoring but no cigar and the game goes on to penalties.

Up first, Bradwell. Score!

Camden's first player. Saved!

Bradwell again. Score!

Camden. Sav-- no... Off the keeper's hand and into the top of the net!

Bradwell. Score!

Camden. Saved again! The back up keeper doing great!

Bradwell, with a goal to win. Score!

Bradwell wins the penalty shootout! The back up keeper the hero!

(Note: Picture is from 2008 season.)

Florentino Pérez: Good or Bad for Real Madrid?

Jordon Tefft — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:24:09 -0500

History

Florentino Pérez was the man responsible for the Galatico Era at Real Madrid. His ability to bring in star players with little difficulty earned him much popularity. During his reign he brought in Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Robinho as the star players.

Initially, Pérez's policy worked to great success, because each "Galactico" built their squads around the player, and had a more proper team balance of attack and defense. In his first years in office Real Madrid won two Spanish Championships and its record ninth European Cup.

However, in 2003 Pérez would make several decisions which would prove fatal. First he would fire coach Vincente Del Bosque after he won ReaL Madrid's 29th Spanish title. Del Bosque was great in the way he handled the star player's egos, maintaining a balance usually impossible to reach.

When Del Bosque left several other players went with him. In particular, Claude Makélélé, considered the best defensive midfielder and a key component to Real Madrid's success also left. With the support of teammates Zidane, Raúl, McManaman, and Fernando Morientes, Makélélé asked for a raise. He was one of the lowest paid members of the squad. His raise request would be declined but his transfer request would be followed through and he was sold to Chelsea.

Pérez would then go on to degrade Makélélé and his playing ability, but after his departure Real Madrid would go one to win no silverware for three years. At the same time, Chelsea would become a title contender in England.

After Makélélé's departure, Pérez would sign many more attacking talents but could never land another defensive star. Many deals were on the verge of going through but Pérez's policy that defending players should not be highly paid would cause all deals to fall through.

Now Pérez is wanting to be back in charge of Real Madrid. At first glance it seems he up to his old games. There seems to be a few key differences.

His old policy was referred to as Zidanes and Pavons. In other words, star players mixed in with home-grown payers. The new policy has been called Kakas and Torreses, meaning star players playing with club-grown players.

Just like in 2000, Pérez is offering a star player upon his election. Said player being Kaka. Unlike before, he is offering a coach, Arsene Wenger.

How Pérez plans on prying Wenger from his beloved club we may never know. For all those fearing another Pérez reign this offer sheds some light. Wenger would be in charge of all things player related. During his first presidency, Pérez had complete control, which eventually saw many problems arise. By giving up all control of the team, he is making a promise to bring in players by the coaches demand. A completely different policy than before.

Last but not least in his current campaign is Zinedine Zidane, beloved by many Real Madrid faithful. Zidane has been offered either a youth team coaching job or a role on the board. If any rumor is true, this one would sway many votes.

So what do you think? Would Pérez be good for Real Madrid or another disaster in the making? Do you believe any of the rumors he has put out? What if all the rumors are true, still think he would be good or bad?

What I Learned from La Liga This Weekend

Jordon Tefft — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:04:11 -0500

This weekend, I must say I learned quite a bit about La Liga for this season. Let me give you a glimpse of my conclusions:

First—Sevilla are fighters. A goal and man down at half usually doesn't provide a good result for said team. Sevilla pushed the point to never think a game is over until it is by beating Deportivo la Coruna 3-1.

Second—Valencia and Villarreal are pretty much even. I had been thinking so, but a entertaining 3-3 draw makes it pretty much a fact.

Third—Athletico Madrid are still inconsistent. After starting the season as lively as Barcelona, they have been unable to keep the performances up. I see no Champion's League for them next season.

Fourth—Real Madrid may be able to make a title push. Arjen Robben is starting to look like joining the likes of C. Ronaldo, Messi, and Ribery in the list of very influential wingers. A Madrid fan can only hope he can keep this up. (I know I am!)

Last—Barcelona will definitely make a comeback hard for Madrid. After two late goals, Barca downed yet another team with a 3-2 result. Proving that when a defense contains their flair, they can play rough and dog it out. It hurts me to say this (and I might go wash my mouth out with soap, or my hands since I'm typing), but Barcelona is the best team in Europe.

Title Contenders Predicted Finish

Barcelona
Real Madrid
Valencia
Villarreal
Sevilla
Athletico Madrid

Relegation

Recreativo Huelva
Osasuna
Mallorca

Guti: World's Best Passer

Jordon Tefft — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:47:47 -0500

Goal scorers will always hog the headlines. Playmakers often stand back and just smile at the work they did.

Call me backwards but I enjoy the great assist. I much prefer to play a defense-destroying pass than to actually score a winning goal. The feeling it brings is great and different all at once. While everyone is cheering for the goalscorer, he is thanking you while the defense wonders just how that pass found its way through.

To me, the best passer ever is José María Gutiérrez—better known as Guti.

Guti has vision unlike any other player to play the game. A highlight reel for him would consist of very few goals but many great passes that break down defenses.

Guti made 32 appearances during the 2007-08 La Liga season and lead the league in assist with 12 despite having less playing time than other notable passers.

"A-game" Guti is the sole contender for being the best passer in the game. His consistency would be his down fall.

Playing along the likes of Zidane and Figo can only help one's career. They are two fine payers who can teach everyone they play with. Guti has learned a lot from these two. Unlike many star players though, Guti can go from the best player one week to absolutely horrible the next.

If greatness came from "A-game" alone, Guti would be great. Unlike Zidane and Figo and others like Pirlo, Xavi, Scholes, etc, Guti seldom puts in a series of great games. It seems almost as if Guti is only good for a third of the season.

Being late in his career Guti most likely will not become a consistent player. Regardless, if someone were to ask me who is the best passer, I would say Guti. If they asked who the best, most consistent passer, I'd have a list of great ones, not one being Guti.

El Classico: Key Match-Ups

Jordon Tefft — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:59:47 -0500

With El Classico looming ever closer many are trying to predict which way the match will go. Which ever way that is these match-ups will be key.

Casillas vs the Barrage of Shots
With Barcelona's goal scoring form Casillas will have his work cut out for him. If anything can be read from the rest of the season he will not have much help from his defense. All the talk of his form slipping this match will be the one to silence his critics should he rise to the occasion.

Raul vs Puyol
The two captains of the biggest rivals will be going head to head more than any others this weekend. Raul will be the one expected to rally Real Madrid to what would be an upset. It is up to Puyol to shut the rallying cries up before they get started.

Guti and van der Vaart vs Xavi
An on form Guti can be in the argument of who is the deadliest playmaker. Van der Vaart still needs to find his form in La Liga but he can certainly create the winning moment. Last but not least is Xavi. Consistent, hard working and great are just a few words that can describe him and he will be at the heart of every move Barcelona make. Whichever of the playmakers is most on will undoubtedly decide the match.

Gago vs Toure
Possession is always key in big matches like El Classico. Gago and Toure are going to have a tough time. The game could come down to one well timed tackle and both these athletes are on form.

Messi vs Whoever Gets in His Way
While many say Messi has not been at the top of his game this season, but who can forget his hat-trick two seasons ago. What better game than getting back on track than El Classico. With no leftbacks available for Real Madrid, it will be interesting to see who will be stuck with the task of marking the Argentine. My guess is it will be Metzelder, for he started his career as a leftback.

Off the Field:

The Media vs Barcelona and Real Madrid
There is one thing this match will guarantee. The losing side will be the target of much media interest. Should Barca lose, every team will believe they can beat them, and a little belief is just what other clubs need to start tearing Barca apart. Should RM lose, the word crisis will be written on every paper around the world, as if it is not already there.

Europe vs Spain
Right now, Barcelona is considered "unstoppable." No matter how this game ends the other clubs in the Champion's League will be wary. On the other hand, a Real Madrid victory will cause the rest to fear two Spanish teams.

Projected Line-Ups:

Real Madrid:Casillas; Salago; Ramos; Cannavaro; Matzelder; van der Vaart; Gago, Guti; Drenthe; Higuaín; Raúl (C)

Barcelona: Valdés; Alves; Puyol (C); Márquez; Abidal; Touré; Gudjohsen; Xavi; Messi; Eto'o; Henry

Along with the appointment of Ramos, Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, has admitted that the growing pressure on his side does worry him. Laporta said the fact that everyone expects them to win heavily is concerning, and he hopes his players manage to keep their feet on the ground.

Whatever happens it is sure to be a thrilling contest and with just a few days to go before the big kick-off, the Goal.com Spanish football team reveal who they think will come out on top, and how they expect the game to unfold.

THE PREDICTIONS

Barcelona 3-0 Real Madrid:Real Madrid might have a new coach but at the end of the day they haven't got any new players and are up against the form side in Spain, if not Europe. Barcelona simply blew Valencia away last weekend and whilst Juande Ramos might be able to instil some confidence in the Madrid team he won't have enough time to help them get anything other than a respectable loss, maybe... James Walker-Roberts

Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid: As Bernd Schuster said, winning at the Camp Nou is "impossible". I don't feel that Real Madrid can win on Saturday but I don't subscribe to the idea that they would be mauled by Barcelona. It's arguably the biggest match on the planet and the Real players should know how to sustain some pride. Although it is tempting to suggest that Barca would win it, I would rather opt for a scoring draw, a 2-2, as Real are certain to concede. Subhankar Mondal

Barcelona 3-1 Real Madrid: Juande Ramos' arrival has meant that Real Madrid will go into the game with a slightly different outlook, but Barcelona will not and when they are on song at home then they have been unbeatable this season.

The game could hinge on an early goal with frustration growing if Pep Guardiola's side do not score quickly, but the strength of the hosts, the injuries and suspensions of the visitors and a baying home crowd will see Barça come out on top. Madrid will make it more difficult than perhaps it would have been under Schuster but they were not outstanding against Zenit and the nerves are clearly still there and will be tested by a hyped up Blaugrana side. Lucas Brown

Barcelona 4-1 Real Madrid: Despite the arrival of Juande Ramos, Barcelona will win the match at a canter because Real Madrid cannot defend. Cannavaro is showing his age, as is Michel Salgado, while Marcelo is fast becoming a terrible liability at left back. Diarra is out so will be unable to screen the back four and as for Iker Casillas, he is arguably going through the difficult period of form in his career.

On the flip side, no side in Europe have scored more goals than the Blaugrana. It is impossible to see any other result than a potentially title-clinching victory for Pep Guardiola's side. Paul Macdonald

Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid: While past history has shown us that current form is often irrelevant ahead of El Clasico, it is hard to remember a time when there was such a gaping gulf between the two sides. At the moment, Real Madrid are the embodiment of Murphy's Law: whatever can go wrong, will go wrong, at the worst possible time, and in the worst possible way. The "new manager" effect can not be entirely dismissed, but Barca are still smarting from the guard of honour they had to form before their bitter rivals last year, and that should be enough to inspire them on to another famous "manita." Arjun Miglani

Barcelona 3-1 Real Madrid: Juande Ramos brings to the table something Schuster could not: tactical prowess. Barça have been scoring at will this season and the new Madrid manager is well aware of it. He will adjust his formation accordingly in an effort to challenge Messi, Eto'o, Alves, Henry, and Xavi to find the space necessary to work. The strategic change will not be enough, but the massacre would be worse in a classic Schuster formation. Robben's pace and dribbling ability will be sorely missed in relieving the pressure on the Merengue defence. Cyrus C. Malek

Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid: If you told me six days ago that Real Madrid would get walloped by Barcelona at the Camp Nou, I would have believed you. But after the turn of events on Tuesday and after watching Madrid's game against Zenit on Wednesday, not anymore. This is a very different Madrid side under Juande.

Of course, he would not have had much time to make drastic improvements but all he needed to do was make a few tweaks. You could see in Schuster's final few games that he and the players were simply trying too hard. But against Zenit, Madrid looked so effortless and imperious. They defended cohesively, they attacked with purpose and they moved the ball around with confidence. Obviously, Barca will still be the rampant Barca but Los Blancos stand a better chance of getting at least a draw now than they did a week ago. KS Leong

Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid: A new coach often brings a sense of liberation and determination that can make a team feel invincible in the short-term. Real Madrid were outstanding against a jaded Zenit side, and even though it was Barcelona's second string that lost at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, they broke their unbeaten streak at the worst possible time.

Though the injuries and suspensions for los Blancos will make matters difficult, the dogged defending Juande Ramos has drilled into them already could see them pinch the unlikeliest of victories... Sulmaan Ahmad

Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid: Those who know about the Clasico know that it's always different. Form and tactics rarely matter, and it's purely down to motivation and passion. Still, Madrid are in a slump due to the plague of injuries and absences, whereas Barca are going through their best patch of form over the past three years. It will be a close fought battle by two very brave sides. All the factors are in Barca's favor, but they rarely matter. Feras Saad

Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid: With so much at stake Real Madrid are likely to play a cagey game: this, coupled with the "new manager bounce" should see them able to pick up a point. That said it's very likely that Barcelona will dominate possession and chances. Ewan Macdonald

(From Goal.com)

Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid: This game is always huge. It doesn't matter how the season is going, both sides will fight it out til the death. With the pressure to perform on Barcelona, I think Real Madrid could steal a victory. Regardless of who wins, I see the game as a low scoring game. The first match up has been for the past few years compared to the second. Me

Building a Team: What Do Clubs Need to Succeed?

Jordon Tefft — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:52:53 -0500

January, June, July, and August all have one thing in common in the world of soccer, transfers.

There are times when a club will introduce several new faces to the team and others when very few changes are made. No matter the quantity, the goal of transfers is simple, improve the team.

The biggest question often brought up is where do you start? What is it that a team actually needs to compete at the highest level?

Well, I am going to attempt to break it down.

The 'Keeper

A saying I have heard often is, "Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships." While in a business aspect ticket sales are important a manager should be more concerned with the defense. Where to start is an easy question.

The 'keeper. Without a quality goalkeeper, a team would be unable to win any match. Once one is found, it is very uncommon for his role to be questioned. Being a backup 'keeper is one of the toughest roles as no one will want to risk switching out the savior of the team's mistakes for someone untried.

As George Graham once said, "the goalkeeper is the jewel in the crown and getting at him should be almost impossible. It's the biggest sin in football to make him do any work." So next on the list should be the...

Defense

In my experience of watching the beautiful game a good defense is made of two player types, enforcer and sweeper.

The more important would be the enforcer. This players job is probably the most simple and the most important. They must disrupt the flow of play. Enforce their dominance a cause a slightly bad touch or pass. By doing this they open up the ball to the sweeper who can then make the clearance. The enforcers are the left and right backs and then either a defensive midfielder or center back.

Now the sweeper has to be quick on their feet and able to clear the ball at any angle given. Once the enforcer breaks the flow of play the sweeper needs to react quickly and move the ball in the other direction. An enforcer is worthless with out a quality sweeper to make his work worth while.

This pairing creates the ultimate defense. All top level clubs try to find the best for each role. Once a defense is established teams then need...

Suppliers

So a manager has put together the best defense in the history of the sport. Where to next? It is a rule in many fields that the more chances created the better chance of succeeding. The same goes for soccer.

There are many proven tactics that can be used. Clever short passes up the middle, accurate crosses, and multiple through balls are the favorites. None is more or less effective than the other. If each can continuously be done eventually goals will be produced.

It has been shown time and time again that the team with the most opportunities to score has the better chance to win. Occasionally luck is against the better side. The only way to fight being unlucky is to find a good...

Finishers

The last in the line of essentials is the finisher. These players make the most money and are transferred for the highest bids. A good finisher can make a goal from any supply line they are in the receiving end of.

Filling In

Once these role are filled, the last thing to do is fill in the missing pieces. Add in a second finisher and try to combine supply routes and you will have yourself a top team.

Many top clubs build using this format, regardless of the league. When a team attempts to build backwards or from the middle they often fail.

Look at your favorite club and determine what part they are missing (then maybe say in the comment section!). Maybe they need to completely rebuild or they are lacking an enforcer.

Funny Footballers: Soccer Quotes to Make Your Head Need Scratching

Jordon Tefft — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 11:02:31 -0500

On another night, they'd have won 2-2.

—Ron Atkinson

~~Um...sure?

Well, Clive, it's all about the two M's—movement and positioning.

—Ron Atkinson again

~~...H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-M...

I think football would become an even better game if someone could invent a ball that kicks back.

—Eric Morecambe

~~Imagine that for a game. "Ronaldo is stepping up to take the free-kick, AND THE BALL SWEEPS HIS LEGS OUT! The ref is coming over. Certainly there'll be a card. Yes, yes, red it is. The ball has been sent off!"

If it had gone in, it would have been a goal.

—Barry Davies

~~Someone get him a rule book; he has it all wrong!

Thirty minutes to go, and it's still 1-0 apiece.

—A commentator

~~Err...OK.

Some people tell me that we professional players are soccer slaves. Well, if this is slavery, give me a life sentence.

—Bobby Charlton

~~Me too! PLEASE!

I would not say he [David Ginola] is the best left winger in the Premiership, but there are none better.

—Arsene Wenger

~~So he is?

Well, either side could win it, or it could be a draw.

—Ron Atkinson yet again

~~What other way could it go?

An inch or two either side of the post and that would have been a goal.

—Dave Bassett

~~My ref didn't believe it.

For those of you watching in black and white, Spurs are in the all-yellow strip.

—John Motson

~~Oh, I see now. Thank you!

I'd like to play for an Italian club, like Barcelona.

—Mark Draper

~~They are at the top of Series Z. Who wouldn't!?

Once Tony Daley opens his legs, you've got a problem.

—Howard Wilkinson

~~Thank you for this bit of information. My daughter will NOT be watching (if I had one)!

I would not be bothered if we lost every game as long as we won the league.

—Mark Viduka

~~Um... How does that work?

My parents have always been there for me, ever since I was about 7.

—David Beckham

~~The first few years aren't interesting, anyway.

Sometimes in football you have to score goals.

—Thierry Henry

~~Oooooooooooh...so that's why they put those thingies on the end of the field. I got it now!

If you can't stand the heat in the dressing room, get out of the kitchen.

—Kevin Keegan

~~I am out the kitchen, I just want some AC in the dressing room already!

It wasn't going to be our day on the night.

—Bryan Robson

~~That is why we call it night, sir.

The rules of soccer are very simple, basically it is this: If it moves, kick it. If it doesn't move, kick it until it does.

—Phil Woosnam

~~I live by this. Ask my dog. (Note: I do not kick my dog.)

In football, everything is complicated by the presence of the opposite team.

—Jean-Paul Sartre

~~I know, right!? Freaking keepers blocking my shot. Who do he think he is!?

I'm sure sex wouldn't be so rewarding as this World Cup. It's not that sex isn't good but the World Cup is every four years and sex is not.

—Ronaldo

~~I haven't had either in my lifetime. So I'll take either!

Its an incredible rise to stardom. At 17, you're more likely to get a call from Michael Jackson than Sven Goran Eriksson.

—Gordon Strachan referring to Wayne Rooney

~~I have nothing to add...

We'll still be happy if we lose. The game's on at the same time as the Beer Festival.

—Noel O'Mahoney

~~That's the spirit!

(Know one I don't have? Add it to the bottom!)

Chips and Salsa Theory

Jordon Tefft — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:19:16 -0500

I love chips and salsa. In fact, I finished a bowl just minutes ago. While eating, it hit me chips and salsa are just like soccer.

Let me elaborate. I start off trying to put enough chips to match the salsa. Then when I'm eating away, I either run out of salsa before I run out of chips or vice-versa. This time, I ran out of salsa first.

So I went into the kitchen and got more. Next thing I know, I have more salsa than chips.

Now for the soccer reference.

Euro 2008 was full of attacking flair. The snappy passing was something fans couldn't get enough of. Just like salsa! Its kick excites the taste buds that makes one want more (honestly, ever eaten just one scoop of salsa then call it quits?).

Two years earlier we witnessed what was one of the most defensive World Cups ever. Every defense was different. Some were tough and edgy while others were brittle and frail. The fact that it was the World Cup kept fans watching but was hardly entertaining. Just like the chips!

By looking back at the major tournaments it is easy to pick out which were the chips and salsas. Coaches seem to be trying to get an even amount but running out of one. Grabbing some more just to be out of the other next time.

A constant rotation of chips and salsa shortages!

We are bound to see the trend continue. Watch for it!

Cristiano Ronaldo Has a Long Way to Go

Jordon Tefft — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:22:02 -0500

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Golden Ball! Almost sounds like something a porn star would win...

None-the-less, it is official, he is the best. As if it was ever really question (honestly, for all the others who hate him, any doubt he would pick this award up?).

Your normal, talented, young player would not settle for this. Ronaldo seems to fit right in. He wants to win it again next year. Good luck to him.

Is he the greatest there is? My opinion, far from it!

Where to improve? Here:

1) Modesty: Ronaldo is just to arrogant. Really, he is. I wish he would just shut up about himself. What does this have to do with football? Nothing.

The thing is, other players are good, some better (IMO) yet they don't continuously talk about how great they are. Imagine trying to practice with him? Or eat dinner? "Mmm... this steak is good." CR-"Not as good as me. Did you see that back heel I did. It was all like, bam, and they were like wow. They always go wow. The fans, they love me. Not as much as I love me, but they try. blah blah blah."

2) Diving: Part of the game or not, someone with his "talent" shouldn't have to dive. Take a foul. Get hit. No, he isn't the only one to do it, but I'll talk about them once they win the Golden Ball. Soon he won't have to dive though. Some defender will get tired of it and drop kick him. I can see it happening. "Want a foul, here's your foul!"

3) Love:Yeah...People respect him. Wait! What's this? Senna said he isn't concerned with him just before the CL match. So that isn't even 100% true. Great players are loved by fans and players of all teams. Ronaldo really just gets on most people's nerves. Not in a funny way either.

So none of these have to do with his football skills. Some who read might complain. I know. Honestly, with the exception of Maradonna's "Hand of God" goal, most of the "best" are fair, loved, and modest.

(PS: First ever article. Tell me what you think!)